All on track to change station

An action group has been planting the seeds of the future to transform Brighouse railway station thanks to the help of the community.

The Friends of Brighouse Station group installed some 14 fence mounted planters and eight barrels on the station .

The Group formally launched in January this year and set itself some ambitious targets to transform the station.

Group Chairman David Bedding said: “When we started we really were a little uncertain about being able to generate sufficient local support and interest in the project but in reality we found that local businesses in Brighouse were as keen as we were to improve the station and 21 of them have sponsored the magnificent display that you see today.”

Group member Paul Marshall master-minded the planting and produced the display just in time for the ‘Brighouse 1940’s Weekend’ so that visitors arriving by train would get a good first impression.

Treasurer Norman Kemp added: “The group has also received financial support from Grand Central Railways, ACoRP, Calderdale Council and the Brighouse Business Initiative and this has given us a great start.”

Northern Rail’s Client and Stakeholder Manager, Pete Myers, was at the station for Monday’s event and said: “Northern Rail recognise that local groups such as this one have a great part to play in improving our stations and we are very pleased with what the group have achieved to date.”

This view was also expressed by Calder Valley MP Craig Whittaker, Brighouse Councillors Scott Benton and Howard Blagborough, PC Chris Madden from West Yorkshire Police and sponsors were also unanimous in their pleasure at seeing what they have been able to help achieve at the station.

The Group would welcome more Members and Sponsors and may be contacted at enquiries@friendsofbrighousestation.org.uk